About A Contained Montreal Cervical Spine Disc Herniation

Introduction

You have surely heard of the bulging disc or protruding disc or slipped disc, all terms that hurt just to hear them. The appropriate term for these types of herniated discs is "contained disc". If the contained disc is in the cervical spine, you may find yourself with neck pain and even arm pain.

Description

The "contained disc" is a herniated disc in which the nucleus pulposus (the center of the disc) is contained within the anulus fibrosus (the outer layers of the disc).

Since the anulus fibrosus is very pain sensitive, a contained disc causes neck pain and, if the contained disc presses on a spinal nerve, may cause arm, wrist, hand and finger pain.

Watch this descriptive video of a contained disc herniation.

Examination

A thorough, clinical examination that may include imaging is important to your recovery.

Cervical Spine Exam Description

Treatment

In-office, Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic uses Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to lower the pressure in the disc so the nucleus pulposus returns to the center of the disc, aid in the healing of the torn anular fibers, and drive out chemicals that irritate and inflame the spinal nerves.

Graphic Animation of Cox Technic - Cervical Spine

The disc is pressing on the nerve. Note that as the disc herniation reduces, the pinched nerve is relieved.

This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic
Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements
enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of
decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0%
to 100% for each individual patient.

Cox Technic Protocol I - for severe pain or pain that extends below the elbow

Cox Technic Protocol II - for pain that is in the neck and stays above the elbow

Time to Improvement

You must understand that it takes three months for a torn disc toheal well enough to allow you to return to daily activities like working at a computer, talking on the telephone for a long period of time, etc.

The first three to four weeks of concentrated treatment, therapies, and at-home care are designed to allow the best opportunity for the disc to heal quickly.

This three month window does not mean that you must be treated continually throughout this time period, but means that you must be cautious and aware of your spine's healing. Recognize that even though the pain is gone, sometimes in a day or two or week or two, healing is still taking place and could be hindered if you do something to aggravate the process.

At Home Care

At home you will want to avoid sleeping on your stomach, wear a neck brace if recommended, take nutritional supplements that help rebuild disc cartilage, exercise, and modify your daily activities as needed. You will want to work closely with us at Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic to ensure your treatment is properly administered and your return to maximum health is maximized.

Exercise Tips

Exercise is important to your recovery and prevention of future pain.
important to start exercises as soon as possible, not vigorously, but gently.
Do only exercises recommended.
Do exercises only to your tolerance.

"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page."

Call us to set up an appointment: 514-273-7881

About Our Montreal chiropractic Practice

Our practice at Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic focuses on chiropractic wellness as well as the easement of pain, especially spine pain and its related conditions. We administer comprehensive care for back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, arm pain, leg pain, and injuries to the body from a car accident, sports injury or other cause. Our chiropractic practice respectfully serves the Montreal area. We pride ourselves on being patient-oriented and active to fulfilling your needs be they about insurance filing or appointment making or your health and healing. We administer individualized treatment plans to accommodate your exact needs. If you're in need of a chiropractor in the Montreal area, contact us today!